Welcome to the crafty corner of my life! See the newest items added to my Etsy shop, watch I go on craft show adventures, see my craft room / play room come to life, and stay up to date with Close to my Heart.

This is my third scrapbook layout created using the "Moonlight" kit from Close to my Heart. What I love about the Moonlight kit is that it can be used for more then just Halloween- which it is also perfect for!

I thought these papers were perfect to showcase my "Messy Eater"!

I created the Messy Eater title with my Art Philosophy Cartridge and cut this shape in half from what it was originally. (Making two pieces that look just like this one!) I used my Archival Black ink, Haunted Assortment embellishments, and the Cocktail Alphabet Stamp Set.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

My second Moonlight Scrapbook Layout that I created with my kit from Close to my Heart is based on the design that comes in the brochure with the kit. I just simplified a few things to make it easier to teach at our workshop.

This layout was ideal for photos from my daughter's 5th Birthday Party! We had a Halloween Party! I was so excited that the Moonlight Kit has PURPLE in it! I could not wait to get to this layout to use the purple. (Have you figured out yet what my favorite color is?)

To create the lamp post we stamped it in Archival black on our purple. Then while it still had black ink on it I stamped it on the sponged patterned paper over an area that was orange and cut out just the windows to the lantern. I lined that piece up with where the lamp would look "lit". Then I cleaned the stamps and stamped it again in goldrush ink again on the sponged pattern paper. Then I trimmed it out and placed it on the sign area of the main lamp post. Add some black gems and wha-la! :)

The coordinating chipboard compliments made this accent quick and easy!

Those who know me personally know I hold a special place in my heart for a real FEAR of spiders! But this guy is so cute I actually love him! :) The sparkly eyes make his irresistible on this layout!

This sketch was a lot of fun! Since they said I could use any shape I used a rectangle for my sentiment. Instead of ribbon and a bow I used a strip of paper and cut out a shape from one of my patterned papers. I made it more dimensional by using 3D foam tape.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

I was able to use my stamp set, "Look Who's" from Close to my Heart, for the circle part of the sketch. The scalloped oval coordinates with a shape on my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and made what looks like more effort then it is, very easy!

I used the paper pack from Close to my Heart called "La Belle Vie". The rich dark colors coordinate well with the "over the hill" vibe. I loved that there are little peaks of pink that keep it feminine and for a Lady!

The stamp set I used allows me to personalize the birthday age, which I love!

This was another sketch that was great for my "Glory to God" stamp set from Close to my Heart!

Techniques: "Rock-N-Roll". The border of the city as perfect for the horizontal strip in this sketch. I used the rock-n-roll technique to ink it up before I stamped. I used three inks and started with the lightest first. I inked the entire image in Bamboo, then half of it in Chocolate, then 1/4 of it in Cocoa. I love how it came out! I entered this card in the Rock-n-roll challenge on the Close to my Heart Heart 2 Heart Challenge blog!

Swiping: For Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus I inked them up in Chocolate and used the swiping technique to give them a special stand out effect. I think it almost looks like wood-grain in a way.

I flipped my sketch on its side to create my card with a Manger Scene.

I am having a lot of fun with this stamp set, "Glory to God", from Close to my Heart.

Swiping is one of my new favorite techniques! The stamp from this set that shows Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus is perfect for this technique because it is a solid silhouette. I ink it up like I would normally, but in my last ink tap I slide it instead of pounce it. If you haven't tried this yet I know you will love it when you do!

I cut this one inch star on my Cricut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. I used the Gold Metallic Marker from the duo marker set and colored it in before putting it on my card with 3D Foam Tape. I also used the marker to accent the hay and the Halo on the Manger Scene.

Friday, October 12, 2012

My first layout with moonlight is for my daughter's ultrasound photos! I know what you are thinking... " isn't this the Halloween kit?" Well, it works perfectly for Autumn themes too. My daughter was born in the fall. But, what makes it even more special for us is that we truly believe we have an owl for a stork! Just before we confirm we are pregnant we have a significant run in with a rarely seen owl.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

This video from Close to my Heart shows you how to use the NEW storage items found on page 119 of the Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea book.

My personal favorite (its hard for me to pick a favorite I wish I could be like my 5 year old and just answer "All are my favorites!") is the small organizer with the foam insert that holds the My Acrylic blocks! I have been storing my blocks in a bag until now and am finding they are getting a bit scuffed up and scratched from that. I know this organizer is a must have to keep our blocks in tip top shape and lasting forever new.

I also love how the small organizer nests on top of the medium organizer. Keeps the bins from sliding when you carry them or drive them across town to crops!

What other uses can you imagine for the organizers, craft storage boxes, and foam inserts?